The project will put up-to-date heating systems in schools, add security and address health and safety issues. It also includes technology upgrades, roof repairs, and other improvements in the schools and a new concession building and bathroom facilities at Pelcher-Arcaro Stadium.

Construction is expected to begin in June 2010.

The stadium work is not eligible for state aid, but the rest of the project is expected to receive about 85 percent state building aid. The district also plans to use $1.93 million in Excel state grant money and about $3 million from a capital reserve fund to cover the remaining project costs without raising local taxes.

Leslie Dean, of Lysander, said she voted yes because her property taxes wouldn't increase. If there was a proposed tax hike, Dean said she likely would have voted against the project.

"This makes sense as long as I don't have to dig deep," said Dean, whose three children graduated from the district. "A lot of people are hurting now (because of the struggling economy)."

Dorothy Walker, whose granddaughter is an eighth grader at Durgee Junior High School, said she thought it was important to vote for the capital project because it's for the children.

"I think education is very important," said Walker, of Radisson. "The students going here are going to be the next generation. It will keep them in school and learning. They have to be knowledgeable."

But not everyone was in favor of the project.

"We're in hard economic times. I think that sums it up," said Pat Bishop, a retiree from Van Buren who voted no. "The governor's news hit us pretty hard yesterday."

Bishop said she also feared having to pay for part of the project if state aid doesn't come through. Baldwinsville school officials have said the state has always paid building aid -- which will be used for this project -- even in 1991 when there were cuts to state aid.

If the money doesn't come, officials said, the school board will have to look at how much of the $26 million capital project it can do without raising taxes.

"This was being pushed on that there would be no increase in local taxes and that state aid would cover the cost incurred," Bishop said. "But it's a big 'if' down there."

Her husband, Bennett Bishop, also voted against the capital project.

"Where does Albany get its money?" he asked. "From local residents. Whether it's local, state or federal aid, it's still coming out of our pocket."

Even so, many residents said they thought the work is needed.

"We need to keep the schools functional so the children can learn in a right environment," said Theresa Gross, a great-grandmother from the village of Baldwinsville.

"It's long overdue," added Susan Ward, a mother of three from Lysander. "The work has to be done. It seems like something that should have been done a long time ago."

Here are some highlights, building-by-building:

• C.W. Baker High School: Addition to the lobby and main entrance; replace the gym roof, bleachers and partitions; upgrade the heating and electrical systems; technology upgrades; and replace windows. Cost: $13.3 million.

• McNamara Elementary School: Relocate the main office to the front of the building for security purposes, reconstruct the existing stairs, technology upgrades, heating system and control upgrades, and better security access control. Cost: $2.16 million.

• Palmer Elementary School: Relocate the main office to the front of the building for security purposes, plumbing system upgrades, technology upgrades, heating system and control upgrades, remove floor tile and better security access control. Cost: $2.36 million.